![]() Let's see what this legal language really means. A common privacy statement includes this sentence: “We may collect various types of information…when you visit any of our sites.” Privacy laws in some countries require websites to tell you what information is collected and how it will be used. When you visit a website for the first time, you often see a popup box asking for permission to collect information about you. ![]() Let's look at some examples in the language of Internet privacy policies. These days, is not always clear if may is being used to express permission or possibility-or both. The distinction between can and may is slowly disappearing in English. May is the most formal way to ask for permission. When students asked, "Can I leave the room?" their teachers often made a joke, "You can, but you may not." The teacher was saying the student is able to leave the room, but does not have permission to do so. A student might ask the teacher, "May I be excused?" before leaving the room. But these modals have multiple meanings that can be confusing for English learners.Ĭhildren in American schools learn to use the modal may when asking for permission. Some common modals for expressing permission are may, can, and could. ![]() ![]() This week we will give you some tips on how to use modals to make requests and give permission. For VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar. ![]()
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